If you haven’t checked out the glitzy National Harbor in Prince George’s County, head over to the new riverfront complex this weekend. On Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, the inaugural Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor offers a lineup of lectures, demos, and tastings studded with local and national big-name chefs. (The Washingtonian is one of the event’s sponsors).

Michel Richard of Citronelle and Central is kicking off the festival on Saturday at noon with a demo from his glossy cookbook, Happy in the Kitchen. Stick around for a lecture on spices from Suvir Saran of Manhattan’s haute-Indian restaurant, Devi,  and a dessert demo from local pastry chef David Guas, formerly of Ceiba and Acadiana (mmm...dulce de leche cheesecake...we hope there are samples).
 

On Sunday, there’s a one-woman show about Julia Child and a presentation of episodes of the Emmy-nominated PBS series Chefs A’Field. After viewings of the latter, you can chat with producer Heidi Hanson and some of the chefs featured in the episodes, including Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel’s and Brasserie Beck and Bill Telepan of New York’s Telepan.

Throughout both days, you’ll be able to sample and sip at over 100 booths representing restaurants, vineyards, importers, food purveyors, gourmet food stores, and caterers.

The festival runs on Saturday, May 17, from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday, May 18, from 11 AM to 6 PM. A one-day festival pass is $65 (includes 10 food and 10 alcohol tasting vouchers); two-day passes are $100 (with 10 food and 10 alcohol tasting vouchers each day); designated driver tickets, $50 (includes 20 food vouchers). You can purchase festival tickets at the gate, or by clicking here.